Sudan ends direct censorship

11 Aug 2010

Sudanese journalists said on Monday (9 August 2010) that the government has suspended direct censorship of daily newspapers. Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Services notified editors that they would no longer visit newspaper offices before publication to remove articles deemed to be unsuitable, according to a report by news agency Reuters.

However, the report mentions that local journalists do not see this as a step towards greater press freedom as the government still has other means of controlling the media. The news came as Sudan suspended broadcasts of the BBC Arabic service in the north part of the country due to alleged smuggling of equipment. Reuters also reported that two newspapers closed by authorities remained shut on Monday.

Source: Panos London

Panos London promotes the participation of poor and marginalised people in national and international development debates through media and communication projects. It is part of the worldwide Panos Network of independent institutes working to ensure that information is used more effectively to foster debate, pluralism and democracy.

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